Salzburg intro.The hills around Salzburg, Austria, are alive with much more than the sound of music, even though this city close to the German border is best known as Mozart's birthplace and the setting of the famous film. A guide to Salzburg hotels is available at the local tourist office, with accommodation at its costliest and busiest during the city's famous, five-week performing arts festival in August. A Mozart statue stands on the square and buskers dressed like the legendary composer are almost as prevalent in the Baroque old town as magnificent fountains, open plazas and unique 17th century buildings. Few structures here, however, are older or more impressive than the Festung Hohensalzburg. This spectacular fortress has guarded the city since the 11th century and remains among Europe's largest castles. Mozart was christened at the even older Stiftskirch St Peter, and one of the local Mozart museums, Mozart-Wohnhaus, is located inside the house where the composer wrote many of his most famous masterpieces. Non-Mozart related museums here include the Museum de Moderne Rupertinum art gallery and a natural history museum.Author: Graham Dewe